Okayama Japan 6 Day Itinerary

Okayama, Japan 6-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival in Okayama & Korakuen Garden

  • 🏨 Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Okura Okayama for a luxurious experience or Capsule Hotel J-Hoppers Okayama if budget is a concern.
  • πŸš… Transportation: Upon arrival at Okayama Station, grab an ICOCA card for easy travel in the Kansai region.
  • 🏞️ Attractions: Visit the famous Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscaped gardens.
  • 🍜 Food: Have lunch at a local restaurant like Nabeya Sōgetsu for traditional kaiseki dishes.
  • ❗ Tips: Korakuen Garden is beautiful in all seasons, but especially stunning during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Day 2: Okayama Castle & Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu City)

  • πŸš† Transportation: Take the JR Sanyo Line to Takamatsu Station (approx. 40 min).
  • 🏯 Attractions: Visit Okayama Castle and explore its museum inside. Next, head to Ritsurin Garden, a beautiful landscaped garden in Takamatsu.
  • 🍱 Food: Lunch at Ichiran Ramen Takamatsu for their famous ramen.
  • ❗ Tips: Combine your visit to Okayama Castle and Ritsurin Garden with a day trip from Okayama City.

Day 3: Bizen Osafune & Kurashiki

  • πŸš† Transportation: Take the JR Sanyo Line to Kurashiki Station (approx. 20 min).
  • 🏯 Attractions: Spend the morning exploring Bizen Osafune, known for its traditional sword smithing. Later, visit Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter for a glimpse of Japan’s Edo Period.
  • 🍲 Food: Lunch at Harima Bettei for traditional Kansai cuisine.
  • ❗ Tips: Don’t miss the scenic canals and charming weeping willow trees in Kurashiki.

Day 4: Manpukuji Temple & Setonaikai National Park

  • πŸš† Transportation: Take the JR Sanyo Line to Kasaoka Station (approx. 30 min) and transfer to the JR Kishin Line to Takeno Station (approx. 15 min).
  • 🏯 Attractions: Visit Manpukuji Temple in the morning, one of Japan’s Three Great Zen Temples. In the afternoon, head to Setonaikai National Park for breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
  • 🍱 Food: Lunch at Izakaya Kikunoi in Takeno, offering fresh seafood dishes.
  • ❗ Tips: Check the weather forecast before heading to Setonaikai National Park, as the hike can be challenging during rainy conditions.

Day 5: Tsuyama City & Mount Daisen

  • πŸš† Transportation: Take the JR Sanyo Line to Tsuyama Station (approx. 40 min).
  • 🏯 Attractions: Spend the morning exploring Tsuyama Castle and its surrounding gardens. In the afternoon, travel to Mount Daisen for hiking and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
  • 🍲 Food: Lunch at Izakaya Muku in Tsuyama City for local specialties.
  • ❗ Tips: Mount Daisen offers various hiking trails, so choose one that suits your experience level and fitness.

Day 6: Departure from Okayama

  • πŸš† Transportation: Return to Okayama Station for your departure. If time allows, grab a quick lunch at Miyuki-ya for soba noodles before your journey ends.
  • ❗ Tips: Don’t forget to purchase souvenirs from the local shops in Okayama City or Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter!